Silicon Valley investor emailed voting instructions to CEOs

Silicon Valley angel Ron Conway told the CEOs of his investments who to vote for, and instructed them to pass the picks to their workers.

We know this because one of the companies he invests in, Pando Daily, decided to expose his attempt to muscle in on their politics.

The effort came in the form of an emailed memo, reports sfist. With 546 companies taking his money, according to Crunchbase, that could mean a lot of swing votes! It is not illegal to tell people who to vote for. The email is posted below.


From: Ron Conway

Date: October 24, 2015 at 12:01:55 PM PDT

To: Ron Conway

Subject: SF Election Recommendations for November 3rd

TO: San Francisco-based SV Angel Portfolio CEOs


We have an important election in SF on November 3rd.
Can you please share the list below and ask your team to Vote either on November 3 or by absentee ballot beforehand!
Candidate and proposition recommendations in the upcoming election in SF on November 3 :
Ed Lee Mayor in all 3 choices (rank choice voting)


Vicki Hennessy Sheriff in all 3 choices (rank choice voting)


Alex Randolph Member, Community College Board


If you live in District 3 in SF vote FOR Julie Christensen in all 3 choices (rank choice voting)

Not Voting for candidates for City Attorney, District Attorney or Treasurer


PROPOSITIONS ON THE BALLOT


These recommendations match those of sf.citi.


Measure A
General Obligation Bond Election – Affordable Housing – Not to Exceed $310,000,000
VOTE YES


Measure B
Enhancement of Paid Parental Leave for City Employees
VOTE YES
Measure C


Expenditure Lobbyists Ordinance


VOTE YES


Measure D
Mission Rock
VOTE YES


Measure E
Requirements For Public Meetings of Local Policy Bodies
VOTE NO


Measure F
Short-Term Residential Rentals
VOTE NO


Measure G
Disclosures Regarding Renewable Energy
VOTE NO


Measure H
Clean Energy Right to Know Act
VOTE YES


Measure I
Mission District Housing Moratorium
VOTE NO


Measure J
Establishing the Legacy Business Historic Preservation Fund
VOTE YES


Measure K
Surplus City Property Ordinance
VOTE YES